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Atiku Mourns Justice Kutigi

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar says the death of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has robbed the country and the judiciary of one of the best legal minds whose contribution to democracy cannot be easily forgotten.

Reacting to the death in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, the former Vice President explained Kutigi was a great Justice who avoided controversy throughout his judicial career, and that his commitment to law and justice and democracy would be remembered for years to come after his death.

Atiku, who is also the presidential candidate of the PDP, recalled that, as chairman of the 2014 National Conference, Kutigi demonstrated admirable wisdom and remarkable leadership in handling such delicate national assignment.

“By successfully chairing such gathering of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds”, Atiku said, Kutigi “showed a great capacity for leadership and broadminded disposition.”

The Waziri Adamawa prayed to Allah to bless and forgive the soul of the late Chief Justice of Nigeria and wished his family the strength to overcome this moment of great loss.

Justice Idris Kutigi, 79, reportedly died in a London hospital.

The Niger State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Danjuma Sallau, confirmed it on Sunday.

Late Kutigi was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from January 30, 2007 until 30 December 2009.

Kutigi graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (both in Zaria, Kaduna State.) and also went to England, where he studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and Gibson and Weldon, before returning to attend the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

He was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State before becoming a high court judge in 1976.

He joined the Supreme Court in 1992 and served for ten years before President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him to the position of Chief Justice to succeed the Salihu Alfa Belgore.